I am very proud of how well I did in January and I am REALLY geared up to do even better in February. I do have my son's 2nd birthday party but I even am well prepared for that. All of you have really kept me on track because I know you are all out there working on it too!

Yup I'm in for Feb. and am thrilled with my spending habits in January. It's amazing when you really, REALLY want to do it, you can. It felt great keeping track and staying out of the stores.

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Children Learn What They Live, And Live What They Learn.
What have you taught your child today?
When life throws you a curve ball...it's up to you how you catch it!

Jan. challenge went fairly well for me- even though I did go out and buy a few things today that we really did not need (got Open Season DVD- supposed to be really cold this weekend and it's our treat to the girls!). I am up for a Feb. challenge- but it will be a hard one for me- my mom's b-day, my anniversary and I am in charge of my youngests Valentine's Day party- so I know I will have to spend a little on that.

The hard thing is that we should be getting our income tax return this month- YIPEE! Anyways, there is a few things that we would like to get (actually a few of them are needs!) so that may screw up my challenge- but we will look for the best price on tings!

I'm up for a challenge. What are the rules, guidelines?

Thanks,

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:love:R4JBNS Traci
Wife to Ben Sahm to Jonathon, Jessyca, Jordan & Jackson

I’ve been SWAK’d!
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I’ve been SWAK’d!

Challenge is to only buy what you absolutely need. Always make a list when you go the store. Ask yourself Do I really need this? Can I find it cheaper? Do I already have something like this at home? For me I sit down at the beginning of the month and make a list of home, beauty, health items I need and only buy what is on the list. When I go to the grocery store I don't buy convenience food if I can make it cheaper from scratch. I know my weakness is a used bookstore so I'm challenging myself to not buy any books in Feb.

I did ok. I had to get dd new glasses. ouch. but I am in this go around.

I did okay too. I got through the entire month without incurring new debt and also saved for IRA, X-mas and Bj's trip in March. February I want to try to use up what I have already and also make a master Menu so that I know what we're having and if I have everything I need in stock. Part of my problem is running to the store for this or that. Also, what to try to use up my stockpile as much as possible.

February I only have to get the kids Valentine's from us. I'm using what I have in the house for Kelsey's party at school or I'll hit the dollar store.

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"Never get so busy making a living you forget to make a life!"

I'm in too. I read this board every day for inspiration. I am depressed today about money. I just sent a huge pile of paid bills out in the mail today, and we barely have enough money to cover them. I vow this month to clean out my pantry and deep freezer before going to the grocery store again. If I need milk or bread, I will send hubby since he only buys what is on the list. I am going shopping with my sister next Sunday and will only buy things if I have a gift card to the store and it is something I absolutely need to have right now. And eating out needs to go! Unfortunately hubby encourages this many times to give me a break. I need to be stronger and say no. It would be just as easy to throw in a frozen pizza or scramble some eggs.
Wish me luck! I have many extra bills in February and need to save as much money as I can to cover these extra expenses.

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Lori

Mommy to ggg triplets born on 1-30-01

Okay so I said I'm in for the challenge for Feb, but I'm afraid today is going to turn out to be an expensive day. I bought a large cabinet and the matching cubby shelves today because I missed out on it last week (or so I thought) and was so heartbroken, but lo and behold there it was today waiting for me to take it home. I definitely did the happy dance. Besides I am using it to organize all my business stuff so it will be a business expense. And I bought dh a new coat b/c he's afraid he will rip his hunting coat working (he's ripped 6 pairs of jeans ) and it was cheaper than him ruining his hunting coat and having to replace it.
Tonight I have to go to Target and get a comforter for my neice (her b-day) and a few fillers for my FIL's birthday, a heater, and hopefully a bike at 75% off. Hopefully I can resist the other sales.

But after today I'm not even giving myself my normal weekly allowance for "fun" because I'll have used my months worth today I think. Most of the items are needs though so its not too bad. Other than that I'm not spending money except on bills.

Dh and I don't celebrate Valentines day so that should be easy. I'll make him a card and I have a gift card from Christmas we will use if we want to go out and eat. Dh is going to spend money on my birthday, but I don't know how much or on what. He said he wasn't buying me anything but that we are going somewhere! So I'm going to consider that in my spending too, to make up for it.

Dh should be bringing home a nice paycheck from this trip so we should be able to pay off 1 credit card, our Feb bills, and put some in savings if we are careful. Although we do have to buy propane again! Yuck, its way too expensive lately.

Have you tried applying for aide from the Canadian government ? My DS goes to speech therapy. My DH's work does not pay anything towards it. The therapist said she had some clients that were getting money from the government. I checked on the web page and filled out the forms. Its a handicapp allowance. I get some money from the federal and provincial governments. I do remember there being something also for equipment.
PM me if you want the links to the webpages.